UNECA Side Event at the Kenya Innovation Week 2023 - Commonwealth Edition
November 28, 2023
UNECA, its affiliate Origin Research & Innovation Labs, and partners will host a side event during the Kenya Innovation Week (KiW)- Commonwealth edition. The KiW, in its 3rd Edition, will run from 27th November to 1st December 2023 at The Edge Convention Centre in South C, Nairobi and is co-hosted by the Commonwealth secretariat. The UNECA side event will be on 28th November and will run for approximately two and a half hours. It will run on the theme: “Unlocking the Potential of AI and Data Science for Wealth and Job Creations”. The side event will host AI experts in research, policy, and development, leading research technology companies, networks, and support organizations, and showcase startups using AI for innovative solutions to vexing problems in Africa.
Event Programme
| Time | Details of the agenda |
| 2:00 - 2:15 | Opening Remarks Prof. Thomas A. Senaji, Consultant for Digital Transformation Strategy at UNECA, Kenya Mr. Geofrey Munari- CEO, Universities Fund Kenya, Kenya |
| 2:15 - 2:35 | Keynote addresses Potential of AI in Africa (i) Dr. Bright Onapito, (ii) Dr. Alexandros Makarigakis, Director and Representative a.i., UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Kenya |
| 2:35 - 3:15 | AI and Data Science in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges Panel Discussions Session I: The current landscape of AI and data science in Africa. Mr. John Paul Okwiri, CEO Konza Technopolis Development Authority; Prof. Muliaro Wafula CODATA International Science Council Committee; Ms. Harriet Kariuki: Head of Innovation: Equity Group Holding Session II: Highlight challenges, opportunities, and success stories. Research and Development: Dr. Ernest Mwebaze - Sunbird AI Infrastructure issues and High Performance computing Prof. Meoli Kharshorda CEO, KENET Capacity Development
Prof. Ciira Maina, Director, DSAIL, DeKUT; |
| 3:15-3:35 | Showcases UNECA's initiatives, projects, and research in AI and data science. Prof. Ndirangu P. Kioni, Origin Research and Innovation Lab for East Africa
Dr. Dereje Yohannes, Lead Consultant - Digital Centre of Excellence, ECA. |
| 3:35-3:50 | Networking Break |
| 3:50-4:20 | Showcases – continued 1. Amini: Mr. Clinton Oduor 2. Mino Health: Mr. Darlington Akogo 3. Exodus Mobility: Mr. Jonathan Kola 4. Villgro Africa : Eng. Wambui Nyabero |
| 4:20-4:30 |
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